HEDA AWARDS: GANI FAWEHINMI LEGACY LIVES ON AS NIGERIA ADVOCATES PUSH FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // The 7th annual Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Award, organized by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), was a resounding success, with several dignitaries in attendance, including Chief Judge Lagos State High Court Honorable Justice Kazeem Alogba and Professor Akin Ibidapo Obe.

The event, held at Shoregate Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State, aimed to celebrate individuals who embody the values of integrity, accountability, and transparency.

The Chairman of HEDA Resource Center, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability and the need for a change in environmental development and climate change.

He also highlighted the significance of celebrating International Human Rights Day, which plays a crucial role in promoting accountability and challenging the government to do what is right.

Professor Akin Ibidapo Obe, the Chairman of the event, praised Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s commitment to fairness and accountability, noting that his cases against the government promoted good governance and accountability.

He also expressed optimism about the future of the Nigerian judiciary with the emergence of Honorable Chief Judge of the Federation, Honorable Mrs. Kekere Ekun.

However, the event also raised concerns about the lack of accountability and integrity in the Nigerian government, judiciary, and legislative bodies.

Mrs. Victoria Ibezim Ohaeri, Executive Director of Space for Change, cited the corruption case of Mr. Dele Farotimi and Yahaya Bello, urging the government to address human rights violations and ensure equal justice.

The awardees and well-wishers emphasized the importance of fighting corruption and promoting human rights.

One of the awardees Alhaji Hamzat Oriyomi, a renowned journalist and activist emphasized on transparency, accountability and integrity adding that it has a great impact on human’s live.

Doctor Lukman Akanni advised journalists to be consistent in their support for anti corruption efforts, while Mrs. Princess Adeleke Ingber called for the creation of a human rights curriculum in all primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.

Mr Olanrewaju, chairman HEDA Resource Center enjoins journalist to come up with availabile information that are peculiar to the development of the Country.

Overall, the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Award ceremony was a call to action for individuals and institutions to promote transparency, accountability, and human rights in Nigeria.